Process for the preparation of polyalkyl-1-oxa-diazaspirodecane compounds

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a process for the preparation of polyalkyl-1-oxa-diazaspirodecane compounds, which can be used as highly active light stabilizers for polymers. The reaction is carried out in an inert organic solvent in the presence of solid alkali metal hydroxide or of the corresponding amount of a mixture of solid alkali metal hydroxide and water as the sole catalyst. The process offers the advantage that, by changing the reaction procedure in a multiphase system and avoiding the use of a phase transfer catalyst, equally good results are achieved with regard to product quality and yield. Additionally, it is possible to reduce the reaction time from over 6 hours to 30 minutes. This results in a considerable rise in the space-time yield and consequently contributes, in addition, to an increase in the economy of the process of the invention.

The invention relates to a process for the preparation of polyalkyl-1-oxa-diazaspirodecane compounds, which can be used as highly active light stabilizers for polymers.

Compounds of the formula ##STR1## are known (cf. EP 402 889). The preparation process for these compounds comprises carrying out the synthesis in an inert solvent in the presence of solid or aqueous alkali metal hydroxide and in addition a phase transfer catalyst. However, the addition of a phase transfer catalyst has the disadvantage that it enters the waste water during working up of the reaction mixture and thus causes environmental pollution. In particular, the quaternary ammonium or phosphonium halides, which are described as particularly active, render the discharge of the waste water into a biological clarification plant impossible, since quaternary ammonium and phosphonium salts have a bactericidal action and cannot be worked up in a biological clarification plant. The waste water must therefore be disposed of expensively as special waste.

There was thus the object of discovering a process which renders the compounds mentioned possible within the shortest possible reaction times and in the highest possible yields with at least the same product quality, without at the same time having the disadvantages known from the prior art of inadequate environment-friendliness and the resulting expensive disposal of waste water.

It has been found that the object can be achieved if solid or aqueous alkali metal hydroxide is used as the sole catalyst for the preparation of the compounds mentioned, when the reaction is carried out at 90° to 95° C.

The present invention thus relates to a process for the preparation of polyalkyl-1-oxa-diazaspirodecane compounds of the formula I ##STR2## in which

n is an integer from 1 to 50 and

Y is a group of the formula II or III ##STR3## in which the indices 3 and 4 indicate the ring positions in the diazaspirodecane system and one bond of the nitrogen is linked to a CH₂ group of the propylene-2-oxy group,

R¹ is a hydrogen atom, an oxygen atom, an NO group, a C₁ -C₁₂ -alkyl group, an allyl group, a C₁ -C₂₂ -acyl group, a benzyl group, a C₁ -C₁₂ -alkyloxy group or a C₃ -C₁₂ -cycloalkoxy group,

R² and R³ are either identical and are a hydrogen atom or a C₁ -C₅ -alkyl group, in which case R⁴ is a methyl group, or

R² is a hydrogen atom or a C₁ -C₅ -alkyl group and R³ and R⁴, together with the carbon atoms joining them, form a C₅ - or C₆ -cycloalkyl group or a group of the formula ##STR4## R⁵ and R⁶ are identical or different and represent a hydrogen atom, a C₁ -C₃₀ -alkyl group or a C₇ -C₁₂ -phenylalkyl group which is unsubstituted or substituted by chlorine or C₁ -C₄ -alkyl, or

R⁵ and R⁶, together with the carbon atom joining them, form a C₅ -C₁₈ -cycloalkyl group which is unsubstituted or substituted by up to four C₁ -C₄ -alkyl groups, or a group of the formula ##STR5## R⁷ if n=1 has no meaning, so that the oxygen atom is bonded to the terminal CH₂ group and forms an oxirane ring, or

R⁷, if n>1, is a hydrogen atom or a C₁ -C₂₂ -acyl group, or has no meaning in the terminal monomer unit, so that the oxygen atom is bonded to the terminal CH₂ group and forms an oxirane ring,

by reaction of a compound of the formula IV ##STR6## in which R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ have the abovementioned meaning and (HZ) is an acid radical, or a salt thereof with a proton acid,

with an epihalohydrin of the formula V ##STR7## in which Hal is a chlorine, bromine or iodine atom, in a molar ratio of 1.1 to 1:10 in the presence of an alkali metal hydroxide in an inert organic solvent, and, if n>1, heating the resulting epoxy compound VI ##STR8## in which R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ have the abovementioned meaning, to a temperature of 100° to 240° C., which comprises carrying out the reaction of the compound of the formula IV with the compound of the formula V in the presence of the equimolar to twenty times the molar amount of solid alkali metal hydroxide or of the corresponding amount of a mixture of solid alkali metal hydroxide and water in a weight ratio of 1:9 to 9:1 as the sole catalyst and, after the reaction has ended, adding sufficient water to the mixture to form two phases.

In the formula (I) of the polyalkyl-1-oxa-diazaspirodecane compounds ##STR9## to be prepared according to the invention,

n is an integer from 1 to 50, preferably 1 to 15, in particular 1 to 7.

Y is a group of the formula II or III ##STR10## in which the indices 3 and 4 indicate the ring positions in the diazaspirodecane system and one bond of the nitrogen is linked to a CH₂ group of the propylene-2-oxy group.

R¹ is a hydrogen atom, an oxygen atom, an NO group, a C₁ - C₁₂ -, preferably C₁ -C₄ -alkyl group, an allyl group, a C₁ -C₂₂ -acyl group, preferably an acetyl group, a benzyl group, a C₁ -C₁₂ -, preferably C₁ -C₄ -alkyloxy group, or a C₃ -C₁₂ -, preferably C₃ -C₆ -cycloalkoxy group.

R² and R³ are either identical and are a hydrogen atom or a C₁ -C₅ -alkyl group, preferably a hydrogen atom, in which case R⁴ is a methyl group, or

R² is a hydrogen atom or a C₁ -C₅ -alkyl group and R³ and R⁴, together with the carbon atoms joining them, form a C₅ - or C₆ -cycloalkyl group or a group of the formula ##STR11##

R⁵ and R⁶ are identical or different and represent a hydrogen atom, a C₁ -C₃₀ -, preferably C₁ -C₁₈ -alkyl group, or a C₇ -C₁₂ -phenylalkyl group which is unsubstituted or substituted by chlorine or C₁ -C₄ -alkyl, or

R⁵ and R⁶, together with the carbon atom joining them, form a C₅ -C₁₈ -cycloalkyl group which is unsubstituted or substituted by up to four C₁ -C₄ -alkyl groups, or a group of the formula ##STR12##

If n=1, R⁷ has no meaning, so that the oxygen atom is bonded to the terminal CH₂ group and forms an oxirane ring.

If n>1, R⁷ is a hydrogen atom or a C₁ -C₂₂ -, preferably C₁ -C₁₂ -acyl group, or has no meaning in the terminal monomer unit, so that the oxygen atom is bonded to the terminal CH₂ group and forms an oxirane ring.

The compounds of the formula (I) are prepared in accordance with the following reaction equation: ##STR13##

In the formulae of the reaction equation, the radicals R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, Y, Hal and n have the abovementioned meanings: the radical R¹ is hydrogen and the radical R⁷ is also hydrogen or has no meaning in the terminal monomer unit, so that the oxygen atom forms an oxirane ring with the terminal CH₂ group.

Suitable compounds of the formula IV are, for example, 2-iso-propyl-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1-oxa-3,8-diaza-4-oxo-spiro-[4,5]-decane, 2-butyl-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1-oxa-3,8-diaza-4-oxo-spiro-4,5 ]-decane, 2-iso-butyl-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1-oxa-3,8-diaza-4-oxo-spiro-[4,5]-decane, 2-pentyl-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1-oxa-3,8-diaza-4-oxo-spiro4,5]-decane, 2-hexyl-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1-oxa-3,8-diaza-4-oxo-spiro4,5]-decane, 2-heptyl-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1-oxa-3,8-diaza-4-oxo-spiro4,5]-decane, 2-iso-heptyl-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1-oxa-3,8-diaza-4-oxo-spiro-[4,5]-decane, 2-iso-octyl-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1-oxa-3,8-diaza-4-oxo-spiro-[4,5]-decane, 2-nonyl-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1-oxa-3,8-diaza-4-oxo-spiro[4,5]-decane, 2-iso-nonyl-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1-oxa-3,8-diaza-4-oxo-spiro-[4,5]-decane, 2-undecyl-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1-oxa-3,8-diaza-4-oxo-spiro-[4,5]-decane, 2-phenyl-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1-oxa-3,8-diaza-4-oxo-spiro4,5]-decane, 2-(4-chloro-phenyl)-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1-oxa-3,8-diaza-4-oxo-spiro-[4,5]-decane, 2,2-dimethyl-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1-oxa-3,8-diaza-4-oxo-spiro-[4,5]-decane, 2-ethyl-2,7,7,9,9-pentamethyl-1-oxa-3,8-diaza-4-oxo-spiro-[4,5]-decane, 2-propyl-2,7,7,9,9-pentamethyl-1-oxa-3,8-diaza-4-oxo-spiro-[4,5]-decane, 2-iso-propyl-6,7,7,9,9-pentamethyl-1-oxa-3,8-diaza-4-oxo-spiro-[4,5]-decane, 2-butyl-2,7,7,9,9-pentamethyl-1-oxa-3,8-diaza-4-oxo-spiro-[4,5]-decane, 2-iso-butyl-2,7,7,9,9-pentamethyl-1-oxa-3,8-diaza-4-oxo-spiro-[4,5]-decane, 2-pentyl-6,7,7,9,9-pentamethyl-1-oxa-3,8-diaza-4-oxo-spiro-[4,5]-decane, 2-hexyl-2,7,7,9,9-pentamethyl-1-oxa-3,8-diaza-4-oxo-spiro-[4,5]-decane, 2-nonyl-2,7,7,9,9-pentamethyl-1-oxa-3,8-diaza-4-oxo-spiro-[4,5]-decane, 2,2-diethyl-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1-oxa-3,8-diaza-4-oxo-spiro-[4,5]-decane, 2,2-dipropyl-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1-oxa-3,8-diaza-4-oxo-spiro-[4,5]-decane, 2,2-dibutyl-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1-oxa-3,8-diaza-4-oxo-spiro-[4,5]-decane, 2-ethyl-2-pentyl-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1-oxa-3,8-diaza-4-oxo-spiro-[4,5]-decane, 2,2-dibenzyl-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1-oxa-3,8-diaza-4-oxo-spiro-[4,5]-decane, 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-oxa-3,12-diaza-14-oxo-dispiro[5,1,4,2]-tetradecane, 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-oxa-3,20-diaza-21-oxo-dispiro[5,1,11,2]-heneicosane, 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-oxa-3,14-diaza-15-oxo-dispiro[5,5,5,2]-pentadecane, 2,2,4,4,10,10,12,12-octamethyl-7-oxa-3,11,14-triaza-15- oxo-dispiro-[5,1,5,2]-pentadecane, 2-ethyl-2,7,7,9,9-pentamethyl-1-oxa-3,8-diaza-4-oxo-8-oxyl-spiro-[4,5]-decane.

The polyalkyloxadiazaspirodecanes used as starting substances are known and are accessible in accordance with the instructions given in U.S. Pat. No. 4,110,334 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,107,139.

2,2,4,4-Tetramethyl-7-oxa-3,20-diaza-21-oxo-dispiro-[5,1,11,2]-heneicosane or the hydrochloride thereof is particularly preferred among the compounds IV.

The compound of the formula IV is reacted with an epihalohydrin of the formula V, in which Hal is to be understood as meaning a chlorine, bromine or iodine atom, preferably chlorine, in a molar ratio of 1:1 to 1:10, preferably 1:1 to 1:5 and in particular 1:1 to 1:3. The reaction is carried out in an inert organic solvent in the presence of the equimolar to twenty times the molar amount of solid alkali metal hydroxide or of the corresponding amount of a mixture of solid alkali metal hydroxide and water in a weight ratio of 1:9 to 9:1, preferably 4:6 to 8:2, and in particular 5:5 to 7:3.

The reaction temperature is in the range from 20° to 220° C., preferably 60° to 120° C. and in particular 80° to 100° C.

A suitable organic solvent is an aliphatic or atomatic hydrocarbon, such as, for example, petroleum ether, hexane, heptane, vaseline fractions, toluene, cyclohexane, xylene and the like.

The reaction has in general ended after 30 to 60 minutes.

Thereafter, sufficient water is added to the reaction mixture to form two phases. The phases are separated, the organic phase is washed several times with water and the solvent is distilled off, the product being dried azeotropically at the same time.

The epoxide VI, which is usually obtained as an oil, can be isolated (when n=1) or converted into a solid, amorphous polymer I, which is initially obtained in vitreous form, where n>1 by heating to 100° to 240° C., preferably 120° to 220° C. and in particular 150° to 200° C., without further purification. Low degrees of polymerization can be achieved by a short polymerization duration and high degrees of polymerization by a long polymerization duration. Furthermore, there is a tendency toward higher degrees of polymerization as the temperature increases over the same polymerization duration. For products obtained under the same polymerization conditions, the solution viscosity depends on the degree of reaction of compound IV with the epihalohydrin V and is thus a measure of the purity of the epoxide VI before the polymerization.

After the polymerization, the polymer can--if desired--be derivatized by methods known per se on positions R¹ and R⁷ of the molecule.

The compounds prepared by the process according to the invention are used as light stabilizers in organic polymers, for example in those listed below:

1. Polymers of mono- and diolefins, for example polyethylene of high, medium or low density (which can be crosslinked if appropriate), polypropylene, polyisobutylene, polybut-1-ene, polymethylpent-1-ene, polyisoprene or polybutadiene, and polymers of cycloolefins, such as, for example, of cyclopentene or norbornene.

2. Mixtures of the polymers mentioned under 1), for example mixtures of polypropylene with polyethylene or with polyisobutylene.

3. Copolymers of mono- and diolefins with one another or with other vinyl monomers, such as, for example, ethylene-propylene copolymers, propylene-but-1-ene copolymers, propylene-isobutylene copolymers, ethylene-but-1-ene copolymers, propylene-butadiene copolymers, isobutylene-isoprene copolymers, ethylene-alkyl acrylate copolymers, ethylene-alkyl methacrylate copolymers, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers or ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers and salts thereof (ionomers), as well as terpolymers of ethylene with propylene and a diene, such as hexadiene, dicyclopentadiene or ethylidenenorbornene.

4. Polystyrene and poly (p-methylstyrene).

5. Copolymers of styrene or α-methylstyrene with dienes or acrylic derivatives, such as, for example, styrene-butadiene, styrene-maleic anhydride, styrene-acrylonitrile, styrene-ethyl methacrylate, styrene-butadiene-ethyl acrylate or styrene-acrylonitrile-methacrylate; high impact strength mixtures of styrene copolymers and another polymer, such as, for example, a polyacrylate, a diene polymer or an ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer; and block copolymers of styrene, such as, for example, styrene-butadiene-styrene, styrene-isoprene-styrene, styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene or styrene-ethylene/propylene-styrene.

6. Graft copolymers of styrene, such as, for example, styrene on polybutadiene, styrene and acrylonitrile on polybutadiene, styrene and maleic anhydride on polybutadiene, styrene and alkyl acrylates or alkyl methacrylates on polybutadiene, styrene and acrylonitrile on ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymers, styrene and acrylonitrile on polyalkyl acrylates or polyalkyl methacrylates, styrene and acrylonitrile on acrylate-butadiene copolymers, and mixtures thereof with the copolymers mentioned under 5), which are known, for example, as so-called ABS, MBS, ASA or AES polymers.

7. Polyvinyl chloride.

8. Copolymers of vinyl chloride, which can be prepared by the known processes (for example suspension, bulk or emulsion polymerization).

9. Copolymers of vinyl chloride with up to 30% by weight of comonomers, such as, for example, vinyl acetate, vinylidene chloride, vinyl ether, acrylonitrile, acrylic acid esters, maleic acid mono- or diesters or olefins, and graft polymers of vinyl chloride.

10. Halogen-containing polymers, such as, for example, polychloroprene, chlorinated rubber, chlorinated or chlorosulfonated polyethylene and epichlorohydrin homo- and copolymers, in particular polymers of halogen-containing vinyl compounds, such as, for example, polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinyl fluoride and polyvinylidene fluoride; and copolymers thereof, such as of vinyl chloride-vinylidene chloride, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate or vinylidene chloride-vinyl acetate.

11. Polymers which are derived from α,β-unsaturated acids and derivatives thereof, such as polyacrylates and polymethacrylates, polyacrylamides and polyacrylonitriles.

12. Copolymers of the monomers mentioned under 11) with one another or with other unsaturated monomers, such as, for example, acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymers, acrylo-nitrile-alkyl acrylate copolymers, acrylonitrile-alkoxyacrylate copolymers, acrylonitrile-vinyl halide copolymers or acrylonitrile-alkyl methacrylate-butadiene copolymers.

13. Polymers which are derived from unsaturated alcohols and amines or their acyl derivatives or acetals, such as polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, stearate, benzoate or maleate, polyvinylbutyral, polyallyl phthalate or polyallylmelamine.

14. Homo- and copolymers of cyclic ethers, such as polyethylene glycols, polyethylene oxide, polypropylene oxide or copolymers thereof with bisglycidyl ethers.

15. Polyacetals, such as polyoxymethylene, and those polyoxymethylenes which contain comonomers, such as, for example, ethylene oxide.

16. Polyphenylene oxides and sulfides and mixtures thereof with styrene polymers.

17. Polyurethanes which are derived from polyethers, polyesters and polybutadienes having terminal hydroxyl groups on the one hand and aliphatic or aromatic polyisocyanates on the other hand, and precursors thereof (polyisocyanate-polyol prepolymers).

18. Polyamides and copolyamides which are derived from diamines and dicarboxylic acids and/or from aminocarboxylic acids or the corresponding lactams, such as polyamide 4, polyamide 6, polyamide 6,6, polyamide 6,10, polyamide 11, polyamide 12, poly-2,4,4-trimethylhexamethylene-terephthalamide, poly-m-phenyleneisophthalamide, and copolymers thereof with polyethers, such as, for example-, with polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol or polytetramethylene glycol.

19. Polyureas, polyimides and polyamide-imides.

20. Polyesters which are derived from dicarboxylic acids and diols and/or from hydroxycarboxylic acids or the corresponding lactams, such as polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, poly-1,4-dimethylolcyclohexane terephthalate, poly-(2,2-bis-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-propane) terephthalate and polyhydroxybenzoates, and block polyether-esters which are derived from polyethylene having hydroxyl end groups, dialcohols and dicarboxylic acids.

21. Polycarbonates and polyester-carbonates.

22. Polysulfones, polyether-sulfones and polyether-ketones.

23. Crosslinked polymers which are derived from aldehydes on the one hand and phenols, urea or melamine on the other hand, such as phenol-formaldehyde, urea- formaldehyde and melamine- formaldehyde resins.

24. Drying and non-drying alkyd resins.

25. Unsaturated polyester resins which are derived from copolyesters of saturated and unsaturated dicarboxylic acids with polyhydric alcohols, and vinyl compounds as crosslinking agents, and also their halogen-containing, poorly combustible modifications.

26. Crosslinkable acrylic resins which are derived from substituted acrylic acid esters, such as, for example, epoxyacrylates, urethane-acrylates or polyester-acrylates.

27. Alkyd resins, polyester resins and acrylate resins which are crosslinked with melamine resins, urea resins, polyisocyanates or epoxy resins.

28. Crosslinkable epoxy resins which are derived from polyepoxides, for example from bis-glycidyl ethers or from cycloaliphatic diepoxides.

29. Naturally occurring polymers, such as cellulose, natural rubber, gelatin and derivatives thereof modified chemically in a polymer-homologous manner, such as cellulose acetates, propionates and butyrates, or cellulose ethers, such as methylcellulose.

30. Mixtures of the abovementioned polymers, such as, for example, PP/EPDM, polyamide 6/EPDM or ABS, PVC/EVA, PVC/ABS, PVC/MBS, PC/ABS, PBTP/ABS, PC/ASA, PC/PBT, PVC/CPE, PVD/acrylate, POM/thermoplastic PUR, POM/acrylate, POM/MBS, PPE/HIPS, PPE/polyamide 6,6 and copolymers, PA/HDPE, PA/PP and PA/PPE.

31. Naturally occurring and synthetic organic substances which are pure monomers or mixtures of monomers, such as, for example, mineral oils, animal and vegetable fats, oils and waxes, or oils, fats and waxes based on synthetic esters, or mixtures of these substances.

32. Aqueous dispersions of naturally occurring or synthetic rubber.

The organic polymers to be stabilized can also comprise other additives, for example the following antioxidants:

1. Alkylated monophenols, for example 2,6-di-t-butyl-4-methylphenol, 2-t-butyl-4,6-dimethylphenol, 2,6-di-t-butyl-4-ethylphenol, 2,6-di-t-butyl-4-i-butylphenol, 2,6-di-cyclopentyl-4-methylphenol, 2-(α-methylcyclohexyl)-4,6-dimethylphenol, 2,6-di-octadecyl-4-methylphenol, 2,4,6-tri-cyclohexylphenol or 2,6-di-t-butyl-4-methoxymethylphenol.

2. Alkylated hydroquinones, for example 2,6-di-t-butyl-4-methoxyphenol, 2,5-di-t-butyl-hydroquinone, 2,5-di-t-amyl-hydroquinone or 2,6-diphenyl-4-octadecyloxyphenol.

3. Hydroxylated thiodiphenyl ethers, for example 2,2'-thio-bis-(6-t-butyl-4-methylphenol), 2,2'-thio-bis-(4-octylphenol), 4,4'-thio-bis-(6-t-butyl-3-methylphenol) or 4,4'-thio-bis-(6-t-butyl-2-methylphenol).

4. Alkylidene bisphenols, for example 2,2'-methylene-bis-(6-t-butyl-4-methylphenol), 2,2'-methylene-bis(6-t-butyl-4-ethylphenol), 2,2'-methylene-bis-[4-methyl-6-(α-methylcyclohexyl)-phenol], 2,2'-methylene-bis-(4-methyl-6-cyclohexylphenol), 2,2'-methylene-bis-(6-nonyl-4-methylphenol), 2,2'-methylene-bis-(4,6-di-t-butylphenol), 2,2'-ethylidene-bis-(4,6-di-t-butylphenol), 2,2'-ethylidene-bis-(6-t-butyl-4-isobutylphenol), 2,2'-methylene-bis-[6-(α-methylbenzyl)-4-nonylphenol], 2,2'-methylene-bis-[6-(α,α-dimethylbenzyl)-4-nonylphenol], 4,4'-methylene-bis-(2,6-di-t-butylphenol), 4,4'-methylene-bis(6-t-butyl-2-methylphenol), 1,1-bis-(5- t-butyl-4-hydroxy-2-methylphenyl)-butane, 2,6-di-(3-t-butyl-5-methyl-2-hydroxybenzyl)-4-methylphenol, 1,1,3-tris-(5-t-butyl-4-hydroxy-2-methylphenyl)-butane, 1,1-bis-(5-t-butyl-4-hydroxy-2-methylphenyl)-3-n-dodecyl-mercaptobutane, di-(3-t-butyl-4-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)-dicyclo-pentadiene, di-[2-(3-t-butyl-2'-hydroxy-5'-methyl-benzyl)-6-t-butyl-4-methyl-phenyl] terephthalate or ethylene glycol bis-[3,3-bis-(3'-t-butyl-4'-hydroxyphenyl)-butyrate].

5. Benzyl compounds, for example 1,3,5-tri-(3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)-2,4,6-trimethylbenzene, di-(3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl) sulfide, isooctyl3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl-mercaptoacetate, bis-(4-t-butyl-3-hydroxy-2,6-dimethylbenzyl) dithiolterephthalate, 1,3,5-tris-(3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl) isocyanurate, 1,3,5-tris-(4-t-butyl-3-hydroxy-2,6-dimethylbenzyl) isocyanurate or dioctadecyl 3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylphosphonate or the calcium salt of 3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl phosphonic acid monethyl ester.

6. Acylamino phenols, for example 4-hydroxy-lauranilide, 4-hydroxy-stearanilide, 2,4-bis-octylmercapto-6-(3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxy-anilino)-s-triazine or octyl N-(3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)-carbamate.

7. Esters of β-(3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionic acid with mono- or polyhydric alcohols, such as, for example, with methanol, diethylene glycol, octadecanol, triethylene glycol, 1,6-hexanediol, pentaerythritol, neopentylglycol, tris-hydroxyethyl isocyanurate, thiodiethylene glycol or di-hydroxyethyl-oxalamide.

8. Esters of β-(5-t-butyl-4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)propionic acid with mono- or polyhydric alcohols, such as, for example, with methanol, diethylene glycol, octadecanol, triethylene glycol, 1,6-hexanediol, pentaerythritol, neopentylglycol, tris-hydroxyethyl isocyanurate, thiodiethylene glycol or di-hydroxyethyl-oxalic acid diamide.

9. Amides of β-(3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionic acid, such as, for example, N,N'-di-(3,5-di-t-butyl-4- hydroxyphenylpropionyl)-hexamethylenediamine, N,N'-di-(3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyphenylpropionyl)-trimethylenediamine or N,N'-di-(3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyphenylpropionyl)-hydrazine.

In addition, the polymers to be stabilized can also comprise other additives, such as, for example:

1. UV absorbers and light stabilizers

1.1 2-(2'-Hydroxyphenyl)-benzotriazoles, such as, for example, the 5'-methyl, 3',5'-di-t-butyl, 5'-t-butyl, 5'-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl), 5-chloro-3',5'-di-t-butyl, 5-chloro-3'-t-butyl-5'-methyl, 3'-sec.-butyl-5'-t-butyl, 4'-octoxy, 3',5'-di-t-amyl or 3',5'-bis(α,α-dimethylbenzyl) derivatives.

1.2 2-Hydroxybenzophenones, for example the 4-hydroxy, 4-methoxy, 4-octoxy, 4-decyloxy, 4-dodecyloxy, 4-benzyloxy, 4,2',4'-trihydroxy or 2'-hydroxy-4,4'-dimethoxy derivatives.

1.3 Esters of optionally substituted benzoic acids, for example 4-t-butyl-phenyl salicylate, phenyl salicylate, octylphenyl salicylate, dibenzoylresorcinol, bis-(4-t-butyl-benzoyl)-resorcinol, benzoylresorcinol, 2,4-di-t-butylphenyl 3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoate or hexadecyl 3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoate.

1.4 Acrylates, for example ethyl or isooctyl α-cyano-β,β-diphenylacrylate, methyl α-carbomethoxycinnamate, methyl or butyl α-cyano-β-methyl-p-methoxycinnamate, methyl α-carbomethoxy-p-methoxycinnamate or N-(β-carbomethoxy-9-cyano-vinyl)2-methyl-indoline.

1.5 Nickel compounds, for example nickel complexes of 2,2'-thio-bis-[4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethyl-butyl)-phenol], such as the 1:1 or 1:2 complex, optionally with additional ligands, such as n-butylamine, triethanolamine or N-cyclohexyl-diethanolamine, nickel alkyl dithiocarbamates, nickel salts of 4-hydroxy-3,5-di-t-butyl-benzylphosphonic acid monoalkyl esters, such as of the methyl or ethyl ester, nickel complexes of ketoximes, such as of 2-hydroxy-4-methyl-phenyl undecyl ketoxime, nickel complexes of 1-phenyl-4-lauroyl-5-hydroxy-pyrazole, optionally with additional ligands, or nickel salts of 2-hydroxy-4-alkoxybenzophenones.

1.6 Sterically hindered amines, for example

1.6.1 Bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidyl) sebacate, bis-(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethylpiperidyl) sebacate, bis-(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidyl) glutarate, bis-(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethylpiperidyl) glutarate, bis-(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidyl) succinate, bis-(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethylpiperidyl) succinate, 4-stearyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine, 4-stearyloxy-1,2,2,6,6-pentamethylpiperidine, 4-stearoyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine, 4-stearoyloxy-1,2,2,6,6-pentamethylpiperidine, 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidyl behenate, 1,2,2,6,6-pentamethylpiperidyl behenate, 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-oxa-3,20-diazadispiro-[5.1.11.2]-heneicosan-21-one, 2,2,3,4,4-penta-methyl-7-oxa-3,20-diazadispiro-[5.1.11.2]-heneicosan-21-one, 2,2,4,4- tetramethyl-3 -acetyl-7-oxy-3,20-diaza-dispiro-[5.1.11.2]-heneicosan-21-one, 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-oxa-3,20-diaza-20-(β-lauryloxy-carbonylethyl-21-oxo-dispiro-[5.1.11.2]-heneicosane, 2,2,3,4,4-pentamethyl-7-oxa-3,20-diaza-20-(β-lauryloxy-carbonylethyl)-21-oxo-dispiro-[5.1.11.2]-heneicosane, 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-3-acetyl-7-oxa-3,20-diazo-20-(β-lauryloxycarbonyl-ethyl)-21-oxo-dispiro-[5.1.11.2]-heneicosane, 1,1',3,3',5,5'-hexahydro-2,2',4,4',6,6'-hexaaza-2,2',6,6'-bismethano-7,8 -dioxo-4,4'-bis-(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)biphenyl, N,N',N",N'"-tetrakis-[2,4-bis-[N-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-butylamino]-1,3,5-triazin-6-yl]-4,7-diazadecane-1,10-diamine, N,N', N", N'"-tetrakis[2,4-bis-[N(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)-butylamino]-1,3,5-triazin-6-yl]-4,7-diazadecane-1,10-diamine, N,N',N",N'"-tetrakis-[2,4-bis-[N-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-methoxypropylamino]-1,3,5-triazin-6-yl]-4,7-diazadecane-1,10-diamine, N,N', N",N'"-tetrakis-[2,4-bis-[N-(1,2,2,6,6 -pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)-methoxypropylamino]-1,3,5-triazin-6-yl]-4,7-diazadecane-1,10-diamine, bis-(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-piperidyl) n-butyl 3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxy-benzylmalonate, tris-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl) nitrilotriacetate, tetrakis-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl) 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylate or 1,1'-(1,2-ethanediyl)-bis-(3,3,5,5-tetramethyl-piperazinone).

1.6.2 poly-N,N'-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-1,8-diazadecylene, the condensation product of 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-hydroxy-piperidine and succinic acid, the condensation product of N,N'-bis-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-hexamethylenediamine and 4-t-octylamino-2,6-dichloro-1,3,5-triazine or the condensation product of N,N'-bis-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-hexamethylenediamine and 4-morpholino-2,6-dichloro-1,3,5-triazine.

1.7 Oxalic acid diamides, for example 4,4'-di-octyloxy-oxanilide, 2,2'-di-octyloxy-5,5'-di-t-butyl-oxanilide, 2,2'-didodecyloxy-5,5'-di-t-butyloxanilide, 2-ethoxy-2'-ethyl-oxanilide, N,N'-bis-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-oxalamide, 2-ethoxy-5-t-butyl-2'-ethyloxanilide and a mixture thereof with 2-ethoxy-2'-ethyl-5,4-di-t-butyl-oxanilide, or mixtures of o- and p-methoxy- and of o- and p-ethoxy-disubstituted oxanilides.

2. Metal deactivators, for example N,N'-diphenyloxalamide, N-salicylyl-N'-salicyloyl-hydrazine, N,N'-bis-salicyloyl-hydrazine, N,N'-bis-(3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyphenylpropionyl)-hydrazine, 3-salicyloylamino-1,2,3-triazole or bis-benzylidene-oxalic acid dihydrazide.

3. Phosphites and phosphonites, for example triphenyl phosphite, diphenyl alkyl phosphites, phenyl dialkyl phosphites, trisnonylphenyl phosphite, trilauryl phosphite, trioctadecyl phosphite, distearylpentaerythrityl diphosphite, tris-(2,4-di-t-butylphenyl) phosphite, diisodecyl-pentaerythrityl diphosphite, bis-(2,4-di-t-butylphenyl)-pentaerythrityl diphosphite, tristearyl sorbityl triphosphite, tetrakis-(2,4-di-t-butylphenyl) 4,4'-biphenylenediphosphonite, 3,9-bis-(2,4-di-t-butylphenoxy)-2,4,8,10-tetraoxa-3,9-di-phosphaspiro-[5.5]-undecane or tris-(2-t-butyl-4-thio-(2'-methenyl-4'-hydroxy-5'-t-butyl)-phenyl-5-methenyl) phenylphosphite.

4. Compounds which destroy peroxide, for example esters of β-thio-dipropionic acid, such as, for example, the lauryl, stearyl, myristyl or tridecyl ester, mercaptobenzimidazole, the zinc salt of 2-mercaptobenzimidazole, zinc alkyl dithiocarbamates, dioctadecyl sulfide, dioctadecyl disulfide or pentaerythritol tetrakis-(β-dodecylmercapto)-propionate.

5. Basic co-stabilizers, for example melamine, polyvinylpyrrolidone, dicyandiamide, triallyl cyanurate, urea derivatives, hydrazine derivatives, amines, polyamines, polyurethanes, alkali metal and alaline earth metal salts of higher fatty acids or phenolates, for example Ca stearate, Zn stearate, Mg stearate, Na ricinoleate, K palmitate, antimony pyrocatecholate or tin pyrocatecholate, or hydroxides and oxides of alkaline earth metals or of aluminum, for example CaO, MgO or ZnO.

6. Nucleating agents, for example 4-t-butylbenzoic acid, adipic acid, diphenylacetic acid or dibenzylidenesorbitol.

7. Fillers and reinforcing agents, for example calcium carbonate, silicates, glass fibers, asbestos, talc, kaolin, mica, barium sulfate, metal oxides and hydroxides, carbon black or graphite.

8. Other additives, for example plasticizers, lubricants, emulsifiers, pigments, optical brighteners, flameproofing agents, antistatics or blowing agents.

The various additional additives of the abovementioned groups 1 to 6 are added to the polymers to be stabilized in an amount of 0.01 to 10, preferably 0.01 to 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the molding composition. The amount of additives of groups 7 and 8 is 1 to 80, preferably 10 to 50% by weight, based on the total molding composition.

The additives are incorporated into the organic polymers by generally customary methods. The incorporation can be carried out, for example, by a procedure in which the compounds, and if appropriate other additives, are mixed into or applied to the polymer immediately after the polymerization or in the melt before or during shaping. The incorporation can also be carried out by applying the dissolved or dispersed compounds to the polymer directly or mixing them into a solution, suspension or emulsion of the polymer, the solvent subsequently being allowed to evaporate, if appropriate. The compounds are also active if they are subsequently introduced into an already granulated polymer in a separate processing step.

The compounds prepared according to the invention can also be added to the polymers to be stabilized in the form of a masterbatch which comprises these compounds, for example, in a concentration of 1 to 75, preferably 2.5 to 30% by weight.

The process according to the invention offers the advantage that, by changing the reaction procedure in a multiphase system and avoiding the use of a phase transfer catalyst, equally good results are achieved with regard to product quality and yield. Additionally, it is possible to reduce the reaction time from over 6 hours to 30 minutes. This results in a considerable rise in the space-time yield and consequently contributes, in addition, to an increase in the economy of the process of the invention.

The following examples and comparison examples serve to illustrate the subject matter of the invention.

EXAMPLE 1

2,2,4,4-Tetramethyl-7-oxa-3,20-diaza-20-(2,3-epoxypropyl)-21-oxo-dispiro-[5,1,11,2]-heneicosane and the oligomer obtained therefrom.

100.0 g (0.25 mol) of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-oxa-3,20-diaza-21-oxo-dispiro-[5,1,11,2]-heneicosane hydrochloride as well as epichlorohydrin and sodium hydroxide solution in the amounts which can be seen from Table 1 were added in succession to 180 g of xylene. This mixture was stirred at 90° to 95° C. for 30 minutes. After the excess epichlorohydrin had been distilled off, 110 g of xylene were added to the reaction mixture and the phases were separated. The organic phase was washed three times with 70 g of water each time. After the solvent had been distilled off in vacuo, a colorless oil was obtained, which was the epoxy compound referred to in the heading. This was polymerized in vacuo for three hours at 200° C. A brittle, colorless resin, the yield and solution viscosity of which are also summarized in Table 1, was obtained.

                  TABLE 1                                                          ______________________________________                                                 NaOH                                                                   Ex-   ECh.sup.1                                                                              Amount   Concentration                                                                            Yield Viscosity.sup.2                         ample [mol]   [mol]    [%]       [%]   [mm.sup.2 /s]                           ______________________________________                                         1     0.50    0.75     100       97    1.69                                    2     0.75    0.75     100       95    1.80                                    3     1.00    0.75     100       96    1.87                                    4     0.50    0.91     100       97    1.78                                    5     0.75    0.91     100       93    1.90                                    6     1.00    0.91     100       96    1.82                                    7     1.25    0.91     100       92    1.91                                    8     1.50    0.91     100       97    2.33                                    9     0.50    0.91     100       94    1.46                                    10    0.75    0.91      70       96    1.55                                    11    1.00    0.91      70       96    1.79                                    12    0.50    0.91      60       95    1.61                                    13    0.75    0.91      60       96    1.71                                    14    1.00    0.91      60       96    1.82                                    15    0.50    0.91      50       95    1.44                                    16    0.75    0.91      50       94    1.52                                    17    1.00    0.91      50       95    1.64                                    ______________________________________                                          .sup.1 Epichlorohydrin                                                         .sup.2 20% strength solution in toluene at 25° C. according to          DGFM-III 8(75)                                                           

Comparison Examples A to I

2,2,4,4-Tetramethyl-7-oxa-3,20-diaza-20-(2,3-epoxy-propyl)-21-oxo-dispiro-[5,1,11,2]-heneicosane and the oligomer obtained therefrom.

100.0 g (0.25 mol) of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-oxa-3,20-diaza-21-oxo-dispiro-[5,1,11,2]-heneicosane hydrochloride, 1.3 g of polyethylene glycol 200 in Examples A to F or 10 drops of tricaprylammonium chloride in Examples G to I as the phase transfer catalyst as well as epichlorohydrin and sodium hydroxide solution in amounts which can be seen from Table 2 were added in succession to 180 g of xylene. This mixture was stirred at 90° to 95° C. for 30 minutes. After the excess epichlorohydrin had been distilled off, 110 g of xylene were added to the reaction mixture and the phases were separated. The organic phase was washed twice more with 70 g of water each time. After the solvent had been distilled off in vacuo, a colorless oil was obtained, which was the epoxy compound referred to in the heading. This was polymerized in vacuo for three hours at 200° C. A brittle, colorless resin, the yield and solution viscosity of which are shown in Table 2, was obtained.

                  TABLE 2                                                          ______________________________________                                         Com-                                                                           parison       NaOH                                                             Ex-   ECh.sup.1                                                                              Amount   Concentration                                                                            Yield Viscosity.sup.2                         ample [mol]   [mol]    [%]       [%]   [mm.sup.2 /s]                           ______________________________________                                         A     0.50    0.75     100       98    1.64                                    B     0.75    0.75     100       96    1.78                                    C     0.75    0.75     100       95    1.82                                    D     0.50    0.91     100       98    1.62                                    E     0.75    0.91     100       97    1.83                                    F     0.75    0.91     100       95    1.96                                    G     0.05    0.91      50       95    1.46                                    H     0.75    0.91      50       97    1.50                                    I     1.00    0.91      50       93    1.62                                    ______________________________________                                          .sup.1 Epichlorohydrin                                                         .sup.2 20% strength solution in toluene at 25° C. according to          DGFM-III 8(75)                                                           

Comparison Example J

2,2,4,4-Tetramethyl-7-oxa-3,20-diaza-20-(2,3-epoxypropyl)-21-oxo-dispiro-[5,1,11,2]-heneicosane and the oligomer obtained therefrom.

24.0 g (0.1 mol) of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-oxa-3,20-diaza-oxo-dispiro-[5,1,11,2]-heneicosane hydrochloride, 18.5 g (0.2 mol) of epichlorohydrin, 5 drops of tricaprylmethylammonium chloride (®Aliquat 336 from Fluka) and 40 g of 50% strength sodium hydroxide solution (=0.5 mol NaOH) were added in succession to 150 cm³ of toluene, after which the reaction mixture was stirred at 60° C. for 12 hours. After the stirrer had been switched off, two clear phases were formed, and were separated. The organic phase was washed three times with 50 cm³ of water, dried over 50 g of sodium sulfate, stirred with 1 g of active charcoal at room temperature for 30 minutes and filtered. The volatile contents were stripped off in vacuo. A colorless oil remained, which was the epoxy compound referred to in the heading.

This was heated at 200° C. for three hours and thereby polymerized to give a solid, colorless resin of melting point 130° to 184° C. and viscosity 1.50 mm² /s (according to DGF-M-III 8(75) in 20% strength solution in toluene at 25° C.).

The examples show that it is advantageously possible to avoid the use of the phase transfer catalyst, which has a detrimental effect on the waste water and thus on the environment, without sacrificing product quality and yield. The advantage of the process of the invention is consequently that it is less environmentally polluting and, in addition, saves on raw materials costs. 

We claim:
 1. A process for the preparation of a polyalkyl-1-oxa-diazaspirodecane compound of the formula I ##STR14## in which n is an integer from 1 to 50 andY is a group of the formula II or III ##STR15## in which the indices 3 and 4 indicate the ring positions in the diazaspirodecane system and one bond of the nitrogen is linked to a CH₂ group of the propylene-2-oxy group, R¹ is a hydrogen atom, an oxygen atom, an NO group, a C₁ -C₁₂ -alkyl group, an allyl group, a C₁ -C₂₂ -acyl group, a benzyl group, a C₁ -C₁₂ -alkyloxy group or a C₃ -C₁₂ -cycloalkoxy group, R² and R³ are either identical or different and are a hydrogen atom ora C₁ -C₅ -alkyl group, in which case R⁴ is a methyl group, or R² is a hydrogen atom or a C₁ -C₅ -alkyl group and R³ and R⁴, together with the carbon atoms joining them, form a C₅ - or C₆ -cycloalkyl group or a group of the formula ##STR16## R⁵ and R⁶ are identical or different and represent a hydrogen atom, a C₁ -C₃₀ -alkyl group or a C₇ -C₁₂ -phenylalkyl group which is unsubstituted or substituted by chlorine or C₁ -C₄ -alkyl, or R⁵ and R⁶, together with the carbon atom joining them, form a C₅ -C₁₈ -cycloalkyl group which is unsubstituted or substituted by up to four C₁ -C₄ -alkyl groups, or a group of the formula ##STR17## R⁷, if n=1, has no meaning, so that the oxygen atom of the group pendent from the Y group is bonded to the terminal CH₂ group, and forms an oxirane ring, in which case the compound of formula I is an epoxy compound, or R⁷, if n>1, is a hydrogen atom or a C₁ -C₂₂ -acyl group, or has no meaning in the terminal monomer unit, so that the oxygen atom of the group pendent from the Y group is bonded to the terminal CH₂ group and forms an oxirane ring in the terminal monomer unit,which comprises: reacting a compound of the formula IV ##STR18## in which R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ have the abovementioned meaning, and X is a group of the formula II or formula III in which the indices 3 and 4 indicate the ring positions in the diazaspirodecane system and one bond of the nitrogen is linked to a hydrogen atom and HZ is an acid radical, or a salt thereof with a proton acid, with an epihalohydrin of the formula V ##STR19## in which Hal is a chlorine, bromine or iodine atom, in a molar ratio of 1:1 to 1:10 in the presence of an inert organic solvent and in the presence of the equimolar to twenty times the molar amount of solid alkali metal hydroxide or of the corresponding amount of a mixture comprised of solid alkali metal hydroxide and water in a weight ratio of 1:0 to 9:1 as catalyst and essentially in the absence of a phase transfer catalyst; recovering from the resulting reaction mixture the resulting epoxy compound of formula I in which n=1 and R⁷ has no meaning, so that said oxygen atom of the group pendent from the group pendent from the Y group is bonded to the the terminal CH₂ group and forms an oxirane ring; then, optionally, heating said resulting epoxy compound of formula I to a temperature of 100° to 240° C. to obtain a compound of formula I in which n is >1.
 2. The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein said inert organic solvent is toluene or xylene.
 3. The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein said alkali metal hydroxide is sodium hydroxide.
 4. The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein said inert organic solvent is included in an organic phase; wherein sufficient water is added to the resulting reaction mixture to form a second phase; and wherein said epoxy compound of formula I is recovered from the organic phase.
 5. The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein the compound of the formula IV is 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-oxa-3,20-diaza-21-oxo-dispiro-[5,1,11,2]-heneicosane or the hydrochloride thereof.
 6. The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein the compound of the formula V is epichlorohydrin.
 7. The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein the compound of the formula I which is recovered has a value of n which is in a range whereby the compound is an oil.
 8. The process as claimed in claim 7, wherein the oil is further polymerized to a higher value of the n resulting in a solid polymer.
 9. The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reaction temperature is from 20° to 200° C.
 10. The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reaction temperature is from 60° to 120° C.
 11. The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reaction temperature is from 80° to 100° C. 